Computed Tomography

Computed tomography (CT) is a fast and accurate imaging modality often used in emergency settings and trauma imaging. CT scans, with or without (or both) iodinated contrast are frequently used to image the brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis, but also have post-imaging reconstructive capabilities for detailed orthopedic imaging. It is now a standard imaging modality in emergency rooms to quickly assess patients. CT uses a series of X-ray images shot as the gantry rotates around the patient. Computer technology assembles these into into a dataset volume than can be slices on any access, or advanced visualization software can extract specific parts of the anatomy for study. Find more content specific to cardiac CT.

Radiologists meet with CMS to press for coverage of crucial CT screening exam
Staffers with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services were "attentive to the discussion and requested supporting documentation," ACR reported.
A significant amount of imaging orders in emergency settings are inappropriate
A general lack of awareness pertaining to ACR appropriateness criteria could be a driving factor behind the misguided requisitions, authors of a new analysis suggest.
IAEA: When selecting medical imaging equipment, don’t assume ‘new’ means ‘low dose’
Advanced imaging equipment using ionizing radiation enters the global market at the rate of one new technology every five years.
Stroke patient sues radiology practice claiming negligence led to her fall from a CT scanner
Monica Lynch accuses Midstate Radiology Associates of failing to secure her to the scanner table and ignoring her needs during an examination.
Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates
"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.

FDA clears augmented reality platform that creates 3D models via CT scans

The Ohio-based startup also recently scored $15M in funding from the Mayo and Cleveland clinics and GE Healthcare.

July 21, 2023

Modality makes big cost difference in image-guided approach to treat skeletal tumors, radiologists warn

Cost considerations should be weighed against potential radiation dose advantages when choosing an image guidance modality, experts wrote in JACR.

July 19, 2023

Members of Congress introduce bill requiring all Medicaid programs to cover lung cancer screening

H.R. 4286 also would expand coverage for tobacco cessation in the federal payment program, including counseling and medication-assisted treatment.

July 11, 2023

RadNet joins hospital giant HCA and others in coalition to address woeful cancer screening rate

The consortium of cancer care stakeholders recently held a launch event, with others involved including the ACR, Johnson & Johnson, and drug company AstraZeneca.

June 28, 2023

Physician-owned hospitals charge less for imaging than their counterparts

The finding comes as lobbying groups urge Congress to repeal an ongoing moratorium on doc hospital ownership

June 26, 2023

More assertive language in cancer screening reports leads to likelier receipt of follow-up care

Patients with Lung-RADS 4A findings who spoke with a clinician by phone were three times more likely to see things through, experts wrote in JAMA Network Open.

June 26, 2023

American College of Radiology tells CMS new quality measure would pose too much burden

The agency is proposing a new electronic clinical quality measure for inpatients tied to "excessive radiation dose or inadequate image quality."

June 19, 2023

Prompting primary care physicians in the EHR helps boost use of CT for lung cancer screening

Rutgers University has seen significant increases in the number of fully filled out patient records, individuals eligible for screening, and completed LDCT orders.

June 13, 2023

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates

"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound.

Cardiovascular Business

Radiology AI company gains FDA clearance for new CT offerings focused on PE, stroke

The newly approved AI models are designed to improve the detection of pulmonary embolisms and strokes in patients who undergo CT scans.